Games will be played using the “dual field method”, in which the two teams are split into two squads each, and play (two) games simultaneously on fields that are side-by-side.

Roster size:

Under the dual field method the minimum roster size is eight players and the maximum roster size is fourteen players.

Every player must be officially registered within AYSA in order to be allowed to play. Coaches should have a signed medical release for each player at the field.

There must be a minimum of two administrators per team who have been cleared through the AYSA risk management system.

Law 1– The field of play is roughly 30 yards long by 25 yards wide. The field is divided into two halves by a halfway line. A center mark is indicated at the midpoint of the halfway line. A circle with a radius of four (4) yards is marked around it. Goals (PUGS will be used) are placed at the center of each goal line. The field will have corner arcs but no goal area, penalty area, or flagposts.

Law 2– The ball used in this age group is a size three (3).

Law 3–A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than three players. If, however, one team dominates play by a three (3) goals or greater advantage, the other team may add a 4th player to balance the sides. There are no goalkeepers, and as such players may not stand and block the mouth of the goal during play, rather they should be encouraged to guard players on the other team. Defending players should not stand waiting around the goal area. They should only enter the arc around the goal area to get a ball or while actively defending against a player. The referee may move defending players away from the goal area to help enforce this rule, if required. (Note: The intent is that all players should be involved in play, rather than waiting for the play to come to them).

Substitutions may be made at any stoppage of play, and are unlimited. All players on each team must be played equally. This may not be possible each week because of the number of players available, but must be the case on a seasonal average.

Law 4– Players must wear a uniform for all games. The home team will switch colors in case of conflict. Players may wear soccer cleats, and must wear shin guards which are fully covered by socks for all games.

Law 5– A center referee shall supervise the match. All infringements should be briefly explained to the offending player. A ‘Do-over’ should be a regular occurrence allowed by the referee supervising the match.

Law 6– No assistant referees are used in this age group.

Law 7–The match shall be divided into four (4) equal, eight (8) minute quarters. There should be a two (2) minute break between the first and second quarters, and another two (2) minute break between the third and forth quarters. There should be a half-time break of five (5) minutes.

Law 8– A kick-off is used to start play at the beginning of each period (by teams taking turns) and after each goal (by the team scored upon) from the center line. Passing the ball in any direction starts play. Opponents of the team taking the kick-off are at least four (4) yards from the ball until it is in play. A goal may be scored directly from the kick-off. There are no drop balls used for a restart in this age group.

Law 9– The ball is out of play when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line or side line. The ball is put back into play, as described below, by the opponents of the player who last touched the ball.

Law 10– A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, within the frame of the goal. Game scores are not kept or recorded in this age group.

Law 11– There shall be no offside called during games in this age group.

Law 12– Play is stopped by the referee for any foul. The referee should explain the rule to the players and play will restart with a direct free kick. For a dangerous, intentional or recurring fouls by the same player, the referee should request the coach substitute the player for the remainder of the period. No cards are shown for misconduct. No slide tackles are allowed in this age group.

Law 13– Free kicks are direct and opponents are at least four (4) yards from the ball until it is in play.

Law 14– Penalty kicks are not used in this age group.

Law 15–A kick-in shall be used to restart play when the ball goes out of play over the side (touch) line. Kick-ins are considered a direct free kick.

Law 16– A goal kick is taken within 2-3 yards of the goal line anywhere across the width of the field of play at the nearest point from where the ball was retrieved. Opposing players should be in their own half of the field until the ball is in play. A goal kick is a direct free kick.

Law 17– A corner kick is taken within the corner arc of the corner nearest where the ball went out over the goal line. A corner kick is a direct free kick.